Source: FOOTYMAD
Pardew - Buy A DVD Of The World Cup!
According to reports today - Alan Pardew is considering playing Jonas Gutierrez at left-back against Stoke City on March 19. Jose Enrique could be facing a spell on the sidelines, but Pardew feels Gutierrez or one-time Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson is capable of filling the void. Pardew: “Jose will be touch-and-go for Stoke. “We are not sure if he will play there, but I have been buoyed by young Ferguson. “We have a player who has played international football for Argentina in Jonas Gutierrez in that position too. “There is also a chance to play one of the other full-backs on the wrong side. We have plenty of options. “When Jose got injured, I thought it might be too much for Ferguson to bring him on in front of 50,000 people. “He does not have much experience, but when I did introduce him he was great, so I will be more confident of bringing him on next time.“ All Toon eyes were on Jonas Gutierrez in the World Cup 18 months ago, and I think it is safe to say he looked the most 'uncomfortable' player in the Argentina side. He was like a fish out of water in defence. It was like putting Alan Shearer in goal (don't even go there! Newcastle did it when he was on trial). Gutierrez cannot tackle like a defender, and playing away from home at a place like Stoke could be a disaster for the player and the team. Pardew’s other options would be playing either Danny Simpson out of position again or (GOD FORBID) playing out-of-favour James Perch. And given that choice, I'd rather play Tim Krul at left-back rather than Perch!
